January 2024 public transport strikes: media round-up
A round-up of our media commentary in the lead up to the suspended January strikes.
Last Friday, ahead of an anticipated new wave of public transport strikes, London Heritage Quarter released new research showcasing the impact the disruption would have on London’s economy.
Findings showed that:
- 1 in 5 workers (21%) were planning to stay at home over travelling into the office due to the travel strikes
- In addition to the strikes, 1 in 2 Londoners (55%) cited the increasing cost of commuting prevents them from travelling into work
- This is in the context of more and more employers expecting their staff back in the office, with 52% of them attempting to increase office attendance
London Heritage Quarter and Primera CEO Ruth Duston commented:
“Despite there being a clear appetite for a more regular return to the office from both employers and employees, the impact of these strikes is clearly preventing workers from commuting in. In addition, the continued domino effect that it has on the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors results in businesses having to cover for losses that are beyond their control.
It’s why it’s important that the RMT, TfL and other stakeholders find a swift resolution to end these strikes while reassessing the increase in rail fares, so that we can enhance the appeal of public transportation again for commuters and ensure they receive value for their money.”
The research was widely picked up by local, national and trade media, with CEO Ruth Duston quoted and interviewed in:
- The Evening Standard
- City A.M.
- The Daily Telegraph
- The I
- London Loves Business
- LBC (49’51)
- The Times
Notes to editors
About Primera
Operating a dozen business improvement districts in some of the most high-profile neighbourhoods of the capital, such as Westminster, Harley Street and the City of London, Primera represents more than 3,000 London businesses, from major tourist attractions and global companies to SMEs and charities, as well as over 1m employees. Each BID has its own dedicated team in charge of delivering the business plan which member businesses voted on, with priorities often including safety, cleanliness, ESG, B2C and B2B destination marketing and public affairs representation. The work of the BIDs includes:
- Collaborating with their member businesses to amplify their efforts, whether through networking, communications or business support
- Delivering their own activities such as, on the B2B side, commissioning reports and representing the area at corporate events which highlight their districts, to, on the B2B side, leading on events such as Christmas lights, public realm projects etc
About London Heritage Quarter
London HQ comprises four of Westminster’s Business Improvement Districts: Victoria, Victoria Westminster, Whitehall and Northbank.
Delivering value through partnership is at the heart of our offer, with the BIDs working hand in hand with Westminster Council and other partners to support business growth, enhance the environment and lobby on behalf of our diverse business communities.